Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Anna Campbell!!!

The dashing, licentious Marquess of Ranelaw can never forgive Godfrey Demarest for ruining his sister—now the time has come to repay the villain in the same coin. But one formidably intriguing impediment stands in the way of Nicholas’s vengeance: Miss Antonia Smith, companion to his foe’s unsuspecting daughter.

Having herself been deceived and disgraced by a rogue—banishedby her privileged family as a result and forced to live a lie—Antonia vows to protect her charge from the same cruel fate. She recognizes Ranelaw for the shameless blackguard he is, and will devote every ounce of her intelligence and resolve to thwarting him.

YetAntonia has always had a fatal weakness for rakes…

Today, I am thrilled to welcome historical romance author Anna Campbell to the blog!I first met Anna at my very first Romance Writers of America conference®, where she so kindly signed my copy of “Claiming the Courtesan”.I’ve been a fan ever since of this talented writer and truly nice lady…

Always a voracious reader, ANNA CAMPBELL decided when she was a child that she wanted to be a writer. Once she discovered the wonderful world of romance novels, she knew exactly what she wanted to write. Anna has won numerous awards for her Avon historical romances including Romantic Times Reviewers Choice, the Booksellers Best, the Golden Quill, the Heart of Excellence, the Aspen Gold and the Australian Romance Readers Association's most popular historical romance (three times). Her books have twice been nominated for Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA Award and twice for Australia's Romantic Book of the Year. Anna was voted Australia’s favorite romance writer by the Australian Romance Readers Association in 2009 and 2010.

Anna:I read lots of different genres but I still think my favorite choice for sweeping me away to a wonderful, larger-than-life world full of drama and emotion is a great historical romance.

Heather:What’s your favorite fairy tale?

Anna:Beauty and the Beast.

Heather:What turns you off like nothing else?

Anna:Unkindness.

Heather:What sound or noise do you love?

Anna:The rain.

Heather:Do you write while listening to music? If so what kind?

Anna:I always have music on when I write – it takes me immediately into the world of the book. I can’t actually bear to write to something with words so I mainly listen to soundtracks and classical music. Right now, my writing CD of choice is a set of themes from epic movies. Great stuff – dramatic, emotional, evocative - like LAWRENCE OF ARABIA and THE MISSION and BEN-HUR.

Heather:What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?

Anna:Thank you for your warmth and generosity. I had no idea I was going to make so many wonderful friends through writing my books.

Heather:What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing?

Anna:Oh, so many! The greatest dream was seeing a book on the shelves with my name on it. That had been my dream ever since I was a little girl madly in love with Enid Blyton’s stories and desperate to emulate her. I’ve had so many opportunities to travel and meet readers. To give you a couple of examples, I’d always wanted to see the Rockies and last year, I was invited as one of the Spotlight Authors at RomCon in Denver. The Rockies, I’m pleased to say, did not disappoint! LOL! Also last year, I was lucky enough to be invited on a cruise to New Zealand as a guest speaker. Such a beautiful country –my first cruise and my first visit to New Zealand. Writing full time is also the fulfillment of a long-held dream.

Heather:What soundtrack or playlist do you recommend for your current release?

Anna:MIDNIGHT’S WILD PASSION is the first book of mine that actually has a theme song. When I was writing this story, the song “Undisclosed Desires” by Muse was everywhere (was it a hit in the States?) and a lot of the lyrics really struck a chord (ha ha). My heroine is in disguise and the book charts the growth of an unwilling trust between Antonia and Nicholas, the hero.

Just look at these lyrics – don’t they scream “I’m a romance novel!” to you?

I know you've sufferedBut I don't want you to hideIt's cold and lovelessI won't let you be denied

SoothingI'll make you feel pureTrust meYou can be sure

I want to reconcile the violence in your heartI want to recognize your beauty's not just a maskI want to exorcise the demons from your pastI want to satisfy the undisclosed desires in your heart

Anna:I have the world’s most tragic sense of humor! I could tell you kid jokes until the cows come home. Let’s try something with an Aussie flavor: What do you call a boomerang that won’t come back? Answer: A stick!

Heather:What name have you been dying to use as a lead character, but haven’t found the right fit yet?

Anna:Actually this is more a missed opportunity than a “dying to use” tale. Matthew from UNTOUCHED was originally Titus and in my heart, he’s still Titus. But I let critique partners talk me out of using such an unusual name. Given I’ve since had a Tarquin and a Charis and nobody has said a word, I suspect I would have got away with Titus.

Heather:What’s in your refrigerator right now?

Anna:Well, this is a great advertisement for the writing life! My fridge right now is packed with a dozen bottles of very nice Aussie bubbly! I’ve got visitors coming to stay from England and I’m looking forward to celebrating their visit!

Heather’s GOTTA ASK – Anna’s GOTTA ANSWERJ

Heather:So, I noticed on your website that you won a quiz show…tell us all about it!

Anna: Hey, you really HAVE been digging around in my website! There was a very short-lived version of Jeopardy here in Australia and I was lucky enough to be a champion and I won a substantial amount of money (especially for getting on for twenty years ago). I made a killing on final jeopardy with a tree-climbing fox, of all things!

GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS?

Anna:Having had to whittle down a very long list of favorite movies to one, I wonder what your favorite movie of all time is.

WILL YOU HAVE A DRAWING FROM THOSE LEAVING COMMENTS?**

Anna:I’ll choose a commenter to win a signed copy of my latest release MIDNIGHT’S WILD PASSION.

Thanks so much for being with us today, Anna!Where can your fans learn more about you on the web?

**Note: Offer void where prohibited. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

Join us tomorrow when Angi hosts the ever fabulous NYT Bestselling author Cherry Adair!And coming up Thursday, I will be back with USA Today Bestselling historical author, Kathryn Smith.

66 comments:

Good interview. I learned a few more things about you, Anna.Favorite movie - a toss up between THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS and PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Colin Firth version).I hope the release of MIDNIGHT'S WILD PASSION is a big success.

HI ANNA!Oh, this is probably gonna sound wierd but one of my favorite movies, one I have watched dozens of times, in SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. I still watch it if flipping through channels and I come across it, and have it on DVD.

Anna, what a lovely book cover. :-) Favorite movie of all time....hmmmm...you do realize it is practically impossible to ask anyone to narrow it down this way. But at the moment, Tangled. Have you seen it? What a great movie! Love it!

oh soooo not fair i have a gazillion of fav movies of all time dirty dancing right there on top of the list with pride and prejudice and phantom of the opera .........so can i have three? if not i guess i will go for Pride and Prejudice but i love all three of those and thats not delving into you got mail, sleepless in seattle and while you been sleeping

June, that doesn't sound THAT weird ;-) As long as you don't start buying too much chianti at the local bottle shop! I saw it once years ago and I remember being absolutely riveted by it. It wasn't just the performances, fantastic as they were. It was the script and the direction - just everything. It was hypnotic! Scary as, though!

KM, love the sound of Tangled. It's on my DVD ordering list. I'm about the last person in the world to discover the new animation films - LOVED Up! So I'm gradually catching up on them all. I love the cover too - it's so romantic!

Hi Anna! Wow, it's not even Tuesday yet in the States, and so many people have already been by to visit you! We're so glad you're here with us at GLIAS.

I loved interviewing you--that favorite movie question is kind of rotten, isn't it? I mean, who CAN choose just one?

As for me, I couldn't name a favorite if I tried, but ones I've watched over and again during times of my life would be: The Princess Bride, The Abyss (love me some Ed Harris), Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (Oh, the campy goodness!), The Big Easy, Emma, Field of Dreams (maybe this is Heaven)...oh, I could go on and on. I must quit now. This revisions won't finish themselves...

I am being patient waiting to read this one Anna still haven't found it in the shops I will get a photo when I see it whoo hoo.As for favourite movie of all time there are so many perhaps An Affair To Remember you gotta love that one

Heather, thank you so much for asking me here today and for asking such fun questions! I know it's impossible to pick a favorite movie - I tend to go with what springs to mind immediately. It could be one of about 20! You picked some of my faves - The Big Easy is SOOOO sexy, isn't it? Good luck with the revisions!

Helen, I'm so sorry I sent you out on a wild goose chase. MIDNIGHT'S WILD PASSION isn't officially out here until the 1st May but some of the shops put it out early! Obviously none of the shops in your neck of the woods. Oh, an Affair to Remember. What a great choice!!!! That was my mum's favorite movie.

Gosh Anna, You always ask the hard questions.... hmmm, fav movie of all time... Like you, I think if you asked me tomorrow you would likely get a different answer... but I’m going to say, Saving Grace.

It is a movie starting Craig Ferguson and set in England. It is about growing dope and selling it to make a profit to pay off some debts Grace’s late husband let her with. Its soooo very funny and it is an amazing story of friendship and overcoming ones struggles.

Oh, Heather! *whistles to gain her attention* You can make me a coffee if ya want? White with one. *wink*

lol sorry Anna couldnt help myself....phantom of the opera i loved so much i went to see the real deal when it played in san francisco on stage it was ace. and i adore romantic movies to pick one is a sin lol

Lindsey, it is hard, isn't it? I think one of the most romantic movies I know of is Ladyhawke with Michelle Pfeiffer. Sigh! It's an oldie but a goodie. And of course, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Double sigh!

Hey, it's Winnie! Hiya Winnie! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the stepback - even if the hero has dark hair and my lovely Nicholas (well, he's not too lovely to start with but he learns the error of his ways!) is definitely a blond. I 100% agree with you about Singin' in the Rain. I watched it recently on Turner Classic Movies and adored it all over again. It's such a funny script - and Jean Hagen as Lena Lamont steals the show. I CAIN'T MAKE LURVE TO A BOOOOOOOSH!!!! Snort!

O.o oh my stars i think you may have just told me a movie i havent seen before now i myst find ladyhawke and watch it. next to books movies are up there with music and dancing....life would be a dream if i could do something for a job with all of them ghost is a classic <3 it

Hello, Anna C : ) I am very much looking forward to reading "Midnight's Wild Passion"--it's on my "special treat read" list! The story line sounds as delicious as that bubbly cooling in your fridge : )

My favorite movie of all time is "Show Boat" (1951) starring Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson. I have always been struck by the love story in that film, and a few years ago I found out that Howard and Kathryn had a great off-screen love affair that lasted off and on for many years. It's a beautiful film in every way. The acting, singing, dancing, costuming, and cinematography seem to leap from the screen! It's a wonderful love found and lost and ultimately found again story!

Right now, my favorite movie is Sorcerer's Apprentice. It contains all my favorite movie magic; new love, eternal love (trying to save the woman you love for over a thousand years? melt my heart!), humor, and action.

Hi Tegan! Coffee? Certainly! In fact, I'm more than happy that our secret coffee shop is out in the open...as long as no one wants me to make one of those fancy mocha whip things! I shouldn't be turned loose with scalding milk and hot steam! :)

Congrats on your new release Anna, I can't wait to pick up my copy of this book. I always love your stories and I can't wait to get lost in this one.

I too am like you and have a massive list of favorite movies. If I had to pick one I would pick Titanic. I have always been fascinated with everything that has to do with the Titanic. So when the movie came out I couldn't wait to see it. Now I think it may be the movie I've seen the most. I watch it almost everytime it's on tv. I just love it!

Virginia, my parents loved Show Boat too - it's a wonderful film, isn't it? I really like the 1930s version too with Irene Dunn and Paul Robeson who has one of the most magnificent voices I've ever heard. He gives me goosebumps when he sings Ole Man River. I didn't know that about KG and HK. He was SUCH a handsome man, wasn't he? And he could sing! I'm a sucker for a man who can sing! So glad you're looking forward to MWP! Happy reading!

Ooh, Gillian! I hadn't thought of getting the Sorcerer's Apprentice out. It looked like kinda a boy flick. I'll have to grab it. Love the eternal love trop - love Bram Stoker's Dracula with Gary Oldman for that. "I have crossed oceans of time to find you." Be still, my beating heart! I watched a really nice romantic movie last night which has continued to resonate with me - it's called Cairo Time and the guy in it is seriously gorgeous! So glad you love that lovely cover!

Mariee, I LOVE Love Actually. In fact, I've got a future story on the boiler based on one of the stories in that (you'll have to check it out when it sees the light of day and see if you recognize which one). I love how Love Actually provides such a rain of tones and emotions. Thanks on the congrats! I'm excited!

Heather, that's so true! I have the scars to prove it. In fact, I'm currently writing a scarred Beauty and the Beast type hero and he got his disfigurement at Heather's coffee shop. What a black moment that's going to be - can he give up his espresso to save the heroine's life? Snort!

OK, guys, SERIOUSLY exciting news. The lovely folk at Avon are giving away a gorgeous set of real opal jewelry to mark the release of MIDNIGHT'S WILD PASSION. Check out this link: http://apps.facebook.com/avonromance/Giveaways/

Danielle, I've been fascinated by the Titanic since very early primary school when my teacher told our class about the 'unsinkable' ship that hit an iceberg. The fascination has endured - one of the things I loved about the release of Titanic the movie was that there were suddenly all these really interesting docos on TV about the real ship. Amazing stuff! Great choice! And I hope you enjoy MWP!!!!

Snort, Maureen! He's clearly angling for some midnight's wild passion on that Aussie cover, isn't he? Snicker! And I love that they gave me a blond hero for the Aussie version. I love the US cover too - so romantic! Thank you so much for having me here on Get Lost in a Story - I'm having fun talking about MWP and movies. Actually and I know a lot of people will gasp with horror, I prefer the MM version of P&P to the Colin Firth one. I love that the MM one concentrates so much on the love story. Sigh! Wish MM would come striding out of the morning mists to interrupt my perambulations in the vegie garden!

Susan, spending time reading is GOOD!!! Never let us discourage you from that. I spent a long time very out of touch with films but about a year ago, I signed up for the local version of Netflix. It's been fun catching up on what I missed out on. I LOVE An American in Paris. Isn't that breathtakingly romantic and that final ballet is amazing. Mind you, a Gershwin score never hurts, does it? ;-) Haven't seen Armageddon. Must get it out!

LOVE LOVE LOVE Dirty Dancing! One of my top five for sure! My best friend and I in Jr. High used to be able to recite all the lines in the movie! I also love Pride and Prejudice the Colin Firth one! *swoon* Thanks for sharing today! Great Post!

I carried a watermelon! Yeah, I kinda got to that point too, Johanna. Definitely a Dirty Dancing tragic. It's just so romantic, isn't it? Another vote for P&P? Clearly Jane Austen rules! Thanks for swinging by and so glad you enjoyed the post.

I'm a fan of old movies and one of my (many) fave's is The Quiet Man with John Wayne & Maureen OHara in Ireland -- beautiful scenery. sweet heartfelt romance, great humor (suttle & not so suttle) and a great fight near the end that includes all the prior elements and is fun to watch :)

Wow, Louisa, what a great selection of movies! I haven't seen Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I must check it out. Actually a film that reminded me of Amazing Grace, a film I really liked too, was Creation about Charles Darwin. It's really moving and does a lovely job of making the conflicts behind the writing of the Origin of Species come alive. Paul Bethany is in it and he's great. Dracula, P&P, the Last of the Mohicans (sigh!) and the King and I are all among my faves. So glad you're looking forward to the book getting to you!!!!

Heather (and your fellow bloggers - waving to Donnell), I love the look of your blog with the water in the background! There's something very summery and inviting about it.

Anna! Congratulations on Midnight's Wild Passion! The excerpt is a fabulous read and I can't wait to get my hands on the book so I can dive into the pages. Off to town tomorrow and it's on my list! So I'd better mark my calendar for NO interruptions!

As for my favourite movie... sooo hard to choose only one! Very fond of Notting Hill - it's a wonder we haven't worn out the DVD!

Sharon, I agree with you. I think the look of this blog is fantastic! Really makes me want to sit around with a good book (mind you, you don't have to work too hard to get me to want to do that!). Good luck with tracking down Midnight. I know a lot of Dymocks stores have it already. Hope you enjoy it! Oh, love Notting Hill. Years since I've seen it. I should dig it out again. I actually have quite a soft spot for Hugh. Love him when he's playing a rake (which he isn't in Notting Hill!).

Thanks, Heather and other Get Losters (hmm, that doesn't sound quite right!) for your wonderful hospitality today. I've had a great time talking about favorite movies! Thanks to everyone who swung by to play!

Awesome interview.Late here due to storms that takes internet for hours.Movies oh I have a ton of favs.Spent the power outage watching Braveheart and Man in the Iron Mask.Thank goodness for the portable dvd players...lol

Oh, that's a tough one. One favorite movie...The first thing that popped into my mind was Disney's Beauty and the Beast. But I also really enjoyed Robin Hood, with Kevin Costner. I've bought both movies in VHS, flipper DVDs and non-flipper (haven't made the leap to BluRay yet). :) And of course, there is Pride and Prejudice. I think I own 4 different versions. :)

Ooh, dlynnpen, great choice of storm movies. I love historical epics, even though a lot of them have VERY sad endings. At least TMITIM had a happy ending! I actually really liked the secondary romance in that - thought it was beautifully done. And Braveheart - FRRRRRRREEDOM!!!! That's actually a CD I write to - great music. Happy reading!

LilMissM, you really can't go wrong with P&P, can you? I'm even very fond of the Hollywood version with Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier. Lizzie in the archery scene? Magic! Even if it's not in the book! Love anything BATB and my favorite bit of that Robin Hood is the gorgeous Alan Rickman as the Sheriff. Thought he was wonderful - CANCEL CHRISTMAS!